Soon to be newbie

My surgery date is scheduled for April 4th for a colostomy. And after much internet searching my head is spinning and I'm a bit overwhelmed.

I would love it if I could get some basic advice on what to expect while still in the hospital. Taking things one step at a time and that will be the first. I already have a list of stuff I want to take for the week long stay so that's not an issue. But what can I expect in regards to the stoma and bag during the week?
Do I need to order supplies ahead of time to have at home? What should I expect from the stoma nurse? Are there questions I need to make sure I ask? Do most folks have a follow up at home visit post discharge?

Sorry for all the questions. But I've pretty much been in denial about this for some time and now I feel like I have so much to learn in a short time.

thanks Tom, I haven't seen the stoma nurse yet. She will be calling to set up an appointment. I have a general idea where it will be. He is basically removing everything "south" of the stricture in the descending colon. He is leaving what colon I have left from my surgery in 1982 because he feels that it still does me some good -- not completely sure what that means.

If I'm concerned as to where the stoma nurse marks for it, I feel I can reach out to the CRS or his PA with concerns.

I would order supplies either before or during your stay in the hospital, I was sent home with supplies from the hospital but then I forgot to order things because I was in and out of sleep the week after getting out (thankfully they shipped my order overnight). I had my surgery 7 weeks ago and am almost back to normal, I still have some pains but I also had to have an open surgery, most are laparoscopic. But the more you get up and move around the faster you will heal. They made me get up and walk the halls the day after I had surgery. The bag is easy to manage, you just have to epmty it a few times a day then change the back a couple times a week or maybe less or maybe more. Your stoma will also shrink, I didn’t know that and thought there was something wrong lol... I hope your surgery goes well and hoping for you to have a speedy recovery!

Lamb, in what country are you located?

I am in the US. I was supplied with plenty of samples of various items before leaving the hospital, and then the ostomy nurse gave me lots more. Before I left the hospital, I had signed off on forms to get samples from the various supply companies. In addition, I have found that the major companies are all happy to send out more samples as you identify your preferences and needs, and will often ship things overnight if you are in a pinch. (They are competing for our business, which has some aspects to our advantage!)

Your ostomy burse, at the pre-op appointment, will likely ask you to sit, and stand, and bend over while holding an appliance to your belly, so that it is located in the best spot for you. (If they don't suggest bending over and sitting, you can suggest it!

Here's a thought for you. Paste an appliance on your abdomen, put a little water in it, and go about your business for a day or so.